In Brent, many Somali parents tell us their child was diagnosed too late—or not at all. Why? Because of language barriers, fear of judgment, or misunderstanding of what autism looks like. But early diagnosis is crucial. It helps children access speech therapy, behavioural support, and educational plans that make school easier. Waiting too long delays […]
The Cost of Late Diagnosis Read More »
At VSN, we saw too many families struggling—alone, confused, and unheard. We started this network because Somali families with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) children often face barriers others don’t: language issues, stigma, isolation, and a lack of culturally appropriate services. Our mission is simple: empower families, educate communities, and work with services to
Why We Started Voices for SEND Read More »
The Voices for S.E.N.D Support Network (VSN) was established with the primary objective of addressing the significant impact of autism on BAME families, particularly within the Somali community in London and other parts of the country. Recognizing the lack of research and awareness surrounding autism within these communities, professionals from various backgrounds, including healthcare workers, university lecturers,
The (VSN) was established with the primary objective of addressing of autism Read More »
The Somalian Coffee Morning initiative began as a research project aimed at gathering feedback from the Somali community regarding the prevalence of autism and ways to provide support. These gatherings provide a platform for discussion and sharing of experiences among community members, serving as a means to understand the challenges faced by autistic individuals and
Somali Coffee Morning with SEND Children Read More »
